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calculative

 - 4 dictionary results

cal⋅cu⋅la⋅tion

[kal-kyuh-ley-shuhn]
–noun
1. the act or process of calculating; computation.
2. the result or product of calculating: His calculations agree with ours.
3. an estimate based on the known facts; forecast: Her calculation of the building costs proved quite accurate.
4. forethought; prior or careful planning.
5. scheming selfishness.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME < LL calculātiōn- (s. of calculātiō reckoning). See calculate, -ion


cal⋅cu⋅la⋅tive [kal-kyuh-ley-tiv, ‑luh-tiv] , cal⋅cu⋅la⋅tion⋅al, cal⋅cu⋅la⋅to⋅ry [kal-kyuh-luh-tawr-ee, ‑tohr-ee] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To calculative
cal·cu·late   (kāl'kyə-lāt')   
v.   cal·cu·lat·ed, cal·cu·lat·ing, cal·cu·lates

v.   tr.
  1. To ascertain by computation; reckon: calculating the area of a circle; calculated their probable time of arrival.

  2. To make an estimate of; evaluate: calculating the team's chances of winning.

  3. To make for a deliberate purpose; design: a sturdy car that is calculated to last for years; a choice that was calculated to please.

  4. also cal'late (kāl'āt', -lāt') Chiefly New England

    1. To suppose: "I cal'late she's a right smart cook" (Dialect Notes).

    2. To plan, intend, or count on.

v.   intr.
  1. To perform a mathematical process; figure: We must measure and calculate to determine how much paint will be needed.

  2. To predict consequences.

  3. Regional

    1. To suppose; guess.

    2. To count, depend, or rely on someone or something: We're calculating on your help.


[Late Latin calculāre, calculāt-, from Latin calculus, small stone used in reckoning, diminutive of calx, calc-, small stone for gaming; see calx.]
cal'cu·la'tive (-lā'tĭv, -lə-tĭv) adj.
Synonyms: These verbs refer to the use of mathematical methods to determine a result. Calculate, the most comprehensive, often implies a relatively high level of abstraction or procedural complexity: The astronomer calculated the planet's position.
Compute applies to possibly lengthy arithmetic operations: computing fees according to time spent.
Reckon, cipher, and figure suggest the use of simple arithmetic: reckoned the number of hours before her departure; had to be taught to read and to cipher; trying to figure my share of the bill.
cal·cu·la·tion   (kāl'kyə-lā'shən)   
n.  
    1. The act, process, or result of calculating.

    2. An estimate based on probabilities.

  1. Careful, often cunning estimation and planning of likely outcomes, especially to advance one's own interests.

cal'cu·la'tive adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

calculation 
1393, from L.L. calculationem, from calculare, from L. calculus "reckoning, account," originally "pebble used in counting," dim. of calx (gen. calcis) "limestone." Calculating "shrewd, selfish" is from 1809. Calculator "adding machine" is from 1784; application to the electronic form is from 1946.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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